Folding table.



Patented Dec. 1, 1908' E 5 SHEETS-SHEET 1. 1 I 1i I 4 a A/ 9 8 3 by A5 s 1,4: 1; I, (1

a I 2 F 1n: gwmns PETERS cm, WASHINGTON! n. c.

FOLDINGiTAIBLE. APPLICATION FILED 1143 28, 1907,

Patented Dec. 1. 1908.

n n m Witnesses rnz: NORRIS PETERS co, wasulhcrau. n. c.

J. MOHR & G. MOSGH. FOLDING TABLE.

APPLIOATION FILED mums, 1907.

Patented Dec. 1,1908.

1 5 sums-81mm 3.

THE NORRIS #:rsns 50 WASHINGTON, 04 c.

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J MOHR & 0 MOSGH romaine TABLE.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR 28 1907 461/? n 5 MQL J. MOHR & G..MOSGH.- ronmm TABLE. v

I APPLICATION FILED KAB-28 1907- 905,:342. Patented Dec. 1. I908 5 BKEETS-SHEET 5.

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came STATES PATENT armor.

.TULIUS MOHR AND CHARLES MOSOH, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNORS TO SAID MOHR.

FOLDING TABLE.

i Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 1, 1908.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, JULIUS MOI-IR and CHARLES Mosorr, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have invented a Folding Table, of which the following is a specification.

Our inventionrelates to tables of the folding or extensible type wherein a table is made longer or shorter according to the wishes of the user as the demand for same may arise, the table being made up of two main members which may be pushed together closely or separated to a greater or less extent, the space between them when so extended being taken up by one or more removable leaves.

The object of our present invention is more particularly to provide a novel extension table having the insertible leaves embodied as a nonseparable partof the table itself, and contained in a receptacle or storage-box wlllilch lies below the general surface of the ta e.

Our invention embodies among its main features a central extension leaf permanently mounted upon a swiveled pivot in the centerpost of the table and arranged in connection with mechanical devices whereby it may be easily and quickly, and in part, automatically set in place when desired to form an extension of the table surface, or restored to its storage-receptacle within the body of the table. Where more than one extension-leaf is desired any number of additional leaves may be hinged together to each other and to the central leaf, in order to give the necessary or desirable extension to the table.

Our invention consists of various mechanical combinations and constructions associated with the main central idea to make the table adjustable into its various positions with a maximum of ease and rapidity and general convenience, all as will be hereinafter described and claimed.

Our invention will best be understood from a consideration of a concrete embodiment thereof which We have illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in connection with the following description thereof.

In these drawings, which show a, table capable of three different lengths or extensions, Figures 1, 2, and 3, are longitudinal sections through the table in its three positions of extension, respectively. Figs. 4, 5'

and 6 are plan views of the table in its three positions of extension, respectively; the top boards or surface boards in these three several views being shown as partially removed or broken away. Fig. 7 is a central transverse section through the table in its position tively in the middle and fully extended position, the same being on a larger scale and having the legs broken away. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the center-frame and post, Fig. 11 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the sliding swivel-post, Fig. 12 is a similar View partially broken away through the center-post or leg of the table, Figs. 13 and 14 are perspective views of an extension slide seen from its outer and inner side, respectively, Fig. 15 is a perspective View of one of the slides of the center-frame, Fig. 16 is a perspective View partly cut away of the swivel-plate for the center-leaf, Fig. 17 is a similar View of the pivot-member of the swivel-joint, Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the extension-leaves and the adjacent part of the table to illustrate the hinge-mounting, Figs. 19 and 20 are trans verse sections through one of our special hinges for the extension-leaves taken in extended and folded positions, respectively, Fig. 21 is a longitudinal or central horizontal section through one of said hinges and the part of the leaves in which they are set.

In these drawings every reference letter and numeral refers always to the same part.

The table comprises two extensible or end members A which are connected together in slidable relation with a rectangular centerframe B by means of a plurality of extension-slides C. Upon the center-frame B are articulated, in a manner which will be hereinafter described, the central-extension-leaf D, and a plurality of lateral extension-leaves E.

Each of the-members A comprises a topboard a pair of legs (1 which may or may not be provided with casters a side-boards a and an end-board a The side-boards a are provided on their inner sides with T-shaped slideways a with which engages the outermost of the extension-slides C in a manner clearly illustrated in Figs. 6, 8 and 9. Each slide C is provided on its outer side with a T-shaped groove 0 corresponding in shape with the way a and on its inner side with a slideway c of similar form to engage the next adjacent extension-slide, or in the case of the innermost slide C, to engage with the side of the center-frame B, whose side is likewise provided with a T-shaped groove 6 as shown. To hold the several members together and prevent them from being pulled apart, we arrange the stop-pins 31 projecting from the center of the grooves 0 b and running in secondary grooves 32 formed on the slideways a, 0 the said pins 31 being placed near the outer ends of the extension-slides and the sides of the centerframe and engaging at the limits of their motion with opposing pins 33 which are set to project into the grooves 32. (See Figs. 10, 14, and 18.) It will be understood that the pins 31 are inserted in place from the inside only after the several pieces have been assembled, and are therefore shown as projecting through holes to the inner side of the frame B and slide C. The center-frame B comprises a pair of longitudinal sidemembers 6 and a pair of transverse endmembers 6 a central transverse member 6 secured to the bottom edges of the side pieces 6 and a center-post or leg 6 which rests upon the floor and may also be provided with a suitable caster Z). The center-post or leg 6 is firmly and permanently secured to the transverse member If, as by means of tenons mortised into the latter. In the center of the member 6 immediately over the end of the post 6 is a cylindrical block b which is perforated by a square hole 7f, which hole I) is continued into the upper end of the post Z2 as shown in Fig. 12. The square hole 6 forms a socket or slideway for the square sliding-post F (see Fig. 11), to which is pivoted or swiveled in any suitable manner the center extension-leaf D. Vhile various kinds of practical forms of swiveljoints may be devised, and our invention is not limited to any special form, we have herein illustrated a form of joint which performs its functions to good advantage and comprises two members G and H (see Figs. 16 and 17), the former being a plate adapted to be secured to the under side of the leaf D at the center, for which purpose it is provided with screw-holes g and said plate has a central aperture 9 and an annular recess 51 which receive the stem 7L1 and the head it of the pivotmember H, respectively. Said pivot-member H is provided with a central socket it to receive the reduced end f of the member F to which it is secured by a screw 34, and the member H may be cast with an internal snug h which bites into the material of the post F and prevents the member H from rotating relative thereto. Besides forming a support for the swivel-post F, the block 19 also forms a centering means for a coil'spring J which is so designed as to be always under compression as well as under torsion, so that when free, it raises the ex tension-leaf D and the other leaves hinged thereto to the upper limit of their movement,

and also rotates them in a clockwise direc tion as seen in the plan views, Figs. 4, 5, and 6. To secure this action, the lower end of the spring J is bent inwardly as seen at j, Fig. 9, and the upper end is fixed in a groove 9 formed around the edge of an annular boss 5/ on the swivel-plate G, the extremity of the spring being bent at right angles, as shown at 1' and snapped into a hole g in the swivel-plate to secure it against rotating relative thereto.

lVhen the extension-leaves D, E, are not in use, they are turned at right angles to their operative position, that is to say, lengthwise of the table, and are depressed below the surface thereof between the side pieces 7) of the frame 13, said side pieces being rabbeted out to receive them as shown at b and the width of the center-leaf I) should therefore be of proper shape to enter said recess, the ends of the leaf resting on the transverse end-pieces Z) of the frame B. It is maintained in this position against the compression of the spring J by means of a springcatch K which is mounted in a hollow chamber or recess I) in one side of the leg I) at: the upper end thereof as clearly shown in Fig. 12 The catch K is pivoted upon a pin Is and the lower end thereof is kept pressed forward into the hole or guideway Z)" by means of a small spring H. The recess 1; is closed by means of a plate I) through a hole 7) in which passes a finger-button l on the upper end of the catch K, whereby said catch may be oscillated to withdraw its lower end from engagement with one of a series of notches on the side of the post F. These notches f are herein three in munber corresponding to the three positions of extension of the table, and the uppermost notch f is so placed as to be engaged by the catch K when the extension-leaves are seated lengthwise between the sides of the frame B. In one side of the post F is a vertical groove into which projects a pin 1) secured in place by a screw 6 (see Fig. 9) whereby to limit the upward movement of the extension-leaves and post F, and to take the shock of the spring a peg f may be inserted at the lower end of the groove f.

To limit the rotative movement of the extension-leaves we provide an angle-iron (Z depending from the lower side of the leaf D a suflicient distance to strike the inner side of the side-piece b of the frame 13 after it is rotated through degrees. A cushion or pad I) is preferably provided at the point where the angle-iron (Z strikes to prevent wear and noise.

In the middle position of extension of the table the auxiliary leaves E are folded over upon the center-leaf D in a manner shown in Figs, 2, 5, 8 and 18, so that in order to make said leaves E lie level with the top-board a of the end-pieces A, it is necessary that the leaf D should lie in a recess below the topboards. For this purpose the side-pieces b of the center-frame do not themselves. extend to the under surface of the boards a, but are made lower by the thickness of the leaf D, so that in this middle position the leaf D rests upon the side-pieces 6 When fully extended, however, the leaves E which are hinged to the center-leaf D are unfolded and lie on a level with the latter, and it is now necessary to provide means for supporting all of said leaves at a level even with the top-boards (1 For this purpose we provide a set of auxiliary slides M, four in number, which have dovetailed tenons m on their under sides running in dovetailed grooves b in the edges 'ofthe side-pieces b and the slides M may be provided with finger notches m whereby they'may be pulled in or out. To limit the movement of the slides M'centerwise, there are provided short blocks 6 filling the grooves b", and to limit the outward movement of the slides M, there are provided a set of four small blocks 6 at the ends of the grooves which project into lateral recesses m in the slide M (see- Fig.

15). The blocks 6 also serve the purposeof guides or fenders for the extension-leaves when the latter are set in position longitudinally between the side-pieces 6 in order to protect the hinges which project from the edges of the leaves. I

' When it is desired to extend the table from the closed position, the two end-pieces A are first drawn apart until the center-frame and the extension-leaves contained therein are completely uncovered. Upon pressing the button of the catch K the leaves are then released, and are forced by the spring J upwardly until they clear the boards a and are then rotated through degrees until they are in the position to be set in the table by merely depressing them. If now the middle position is wanted, the slides M are pushed out so as to leave room for the leaf D to go between them and rest upon the sidepieces 6 and when pushed down into this position the middle notch f is caught by the catch K and held there. If the fully extended position of the table is wanted, the catch K being released, the slides M are now moved towards the center and the leaves depressed until the center-leaf D rests upon them, in which position the catch K will engage with the lower notch f of the post F; after which the auxiliary leaves E are opened out and lie upon the extension-slides C, and the end-members A are pushed together until the top of the table is continuous. In collapsing the table, these operations are, of course, reversed, the catch K being released whenever it is desired to change the amount of extension.

vFor securing the proper articulation between the leaves E and the center-leaf D it is desirable that a special form of hinge be used, inasmuch as the ordinary form of hinge would project above the level of the table surface when the leaves E are open. e therefore provide our improved and novel form of hinge illustrated in Figs. 18 to 21, inclusive. Said hinge designated N comprises four principal members, to-wit: a

socket-member or casing n which is mortised into the edge of one of the leaves, preferably the center-leaf D, and may be secured in place by screws'W; secondly, a sliding hinge-member or leaf n which slides within the casing n and whose outward movement is limited by projecting edges 12* of the mem ber n thirdly, an intermediate hinge-leaf a pivoted to the leaf n by a pintle a; and fourthly, a fixed hinge-member n which is provided with pintle-lugs n to receive a second pintle 12 whereby it is pivoted to the intermediate leaf a In opening the leaf E, said leaf will occupy at first the position E in Figs. 19 and 21 after, which it is pushed in to the full line position E in Fig. 19, whereby the hinge-member n is pushed into the socket or casing W, the two abutting edges of the leaves coming together flush as shown. In folding up the leaves E they must first be pulled out into the position E and then folded over as shown in Fig. 20. In this position the leaf n of the hinge will project slightly and when the end-members a are pushed together, the projecting portion of the hinge is seated in a recess a in the edge of leaves as clearly shown in Fig. 18. 109

The edges of the leaves D, E, and of the top-boards a may be provided with the usual dowels 35 entering the recesses 36 in the part opposite. We may also provide felt strips 37 along the under surface of the top-boards a to prevent scratching the surface of the leaves E when the latter are in their receptacle within the frame B. (See Fig. 9).

Obviously our invention is not limited to 110 the use of one or three extension-leaves, as additional leaves might be added and of course folded over the leaves E, in which case the number of notches 71 would be multiplied and the arrangement of the slides M 1 l5 altered accordingly. We also fully appreciate the fact that our invention is capable of various modifications all of which may be made without departing from the spirit of our invention, and some of the parts herein described may also be omitted entirely. lVe therefore reserve the right to such alterations and omissions so far as they lie within the scope of our claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An extension table comprising in combination a pairof slidably connected endpieces each comprising one or more supporting-legs and a top-board, a central-post slidably connected with said end-pieces, a plurality of extension-leaves folding one over the other, a swiveled joint permanently connecting said extension leaves in a swiveled manner with said central-post, and means for supporting said leaf or leaves at three or more step-by-step elevations whereby the whole may occupy a position beneath said top-boards of the end-pieces or may be brought to a position wherein said leaves may be set on a level with said top-boards either in folded or unfolded position.

2. An extension table comprising, in combination, a pair of slidably connected endpieces each having one or more supportinglegs and a top-board, a rectangular centralframe slidably connected with said endpieces and telescoping thereunder in the closed position of the table, a center-leg supporting said central-frame, a plurality of extension-leaves adapted to lie in superposed relation, a swivel-joint connecting said extension-leaves in a suitable manner with said central-frame, and means for supporting said swivel-joint at three or more step-bystep elevations corresponding to the number of superposed leaves whereby the latter are supported upon a level with said top-boards or below the latter.

3. An extension-table comprising, in combination, a pair of slidably connected endpieces each having one or more supportinglegs and a top-board, a center-frame slidably connected with said end-pieces and telescoping thereunder in the closed position of the table, a center-le supporting said centerframe, a swivel-post vertically slidable in the upper end of said center-leg, a plurality of extension leaves adapted to be in super posed relation, means for supporting said swivel-post at three or more step-by-step elevations corresponding to the number of superposed leaves whereby the latter are supported on alevel with or below the top boards, and a swivel-joint connecting one of said leaves with said swivel-post.

4'. In an extension table, the combination of a center-frame adapted to receive one or more extension-leaves, an extension-leaf or leaves fitting longitudinally in said frame, said leaf or leaves being pivotally connected with and also vertically movable on said frame, a spring adapted to raise and rotate said leaf or leaves with respect to said frame, and means for holding said leaf or leaves within said frame against the force of said spring.

In an extension table, the combination of a center-frame adapted to receive one or more extension-leaves, an extension-leaf or leaves adapted to be received by said frame, a vertically slidable swivel-post mounted on said frame, a coiled compression and torsion spring between said frame and leaf or leaves, a swivel-joint connecting the lowermost leaf with said swivel-post, and a catch adapted to hold said swivel-post depressed against the force of said spring, whereby when released the leaves are first raised and then rotated, substantially as described.

6. In an extension table a center-frame adapted to receive longitudinally an extension-leaf or leaves, in combination with a leaf or leaves adapted to be received by said frame and one or more sets of longitudinally movable slides upon the sides of said frame whereby said leaf or leaves are adapted to be transversely supported at different heights.

7. An extension table comprising in combination a pair of end-pieces slidably conneeted and each having one or more supporting-legs and a top-board, a center-frame slidably connected with said end-pieces, a center-leg supporting said center-frame, a swivel-post vertically slidable in the upper end of said centerleg, said swivel-post hav ing a notch, a spring-catch at the side of said swivel-post adapted to engage said notch, an extensionleaf swiveled on a vertical axis on the top of said swivel-post, a coiled compression spring between said frame and leaf acting to raise the latter and rotate it, and a stop limiting the rotative movement of said leaf to 90 degrees, whereby said leaf when released is automatically raised from its longitudinal position within said frame and rotated through 90 degrees to occupy a transverse position.

8. An extension table comprising in com bination a pair of slidably connected end pieces each having one or more supporting legs and a top-board, a center-frame slidably connected with said end-pieces, a set of three extension-leaves hinged together, the side-leaves being one-half as broad as the center-leaf whereby their edges substantially abut when folded over said centerleaf, a swivel-mounting whereby said centerleaf is permanently secured to said centerframe to rotate about a vertical central axis, the whole being received within said centerframe and slidable beneath the top-boards of said end-pieces when the table is closed, means for supporting said set of extensionleaves when folded in the transverse position so that the upper surface thereof is on a level with said top-boards, and means for supporting said extension-leaves when unfolded so that the upper surface thereof is also on a level with said top-boards.

9. An extension table comprising in combination a pair of slidably connected endpieces each having one or more supportinglegs and a top-board, a center-frame slidably connected with said end-pieces and adapted to receive and support a set of extension-leaves, set of three extension leaves of which the center-leaf is twice as broad as the end-leaves which are hinged to between said frame and center-leaf and secured thereto whereby it acts to raise said leaves and also turn the same, a spring-catch adapted to engage said swivel-post and to hold the same against the force of said spring, a stop limiting the rotation of said leaves to 90 degrees of arc, means for maintaining said set of leaves when transverse with said table at an elevation at which the upper surface of said side leaves when closed is on a level with said top-boards, and means for further supporting said set of leaves when unfolded at such elevation that the upper surface is on a level with that of said top-boards.

10. In an extension-table, the combination of a central frame adapted to receive one or more extension-leaves, an extension-leaf or leaves fitting longitudinally in said frame, said leaf or leaves being pivotally connected with a rod vertically movable on said frame, a spring adapted to first raise and afterwards rotate said leaf or leaves with respect to said frame, and means for holding said leaf or leaves within said frame against the force of said spring. 7

11. In an extension-table, the combination of a central frame adapted to receive one or more extension-leaves, an extension-leaf or leaves fitting longitudinally in said frame, said leaf or leaves being pivotally connected with a rod vertically movable on said frame, and a spring adapted to rotate said leaf or leaves through 90 degrees of arc.

12. In an extension-table, the combination of a central frame adapted to receive one or more extension-leaves, an extension-leaf or leaves fitting longitudinally in said frame, said leaf or leaves being pivotally connected with a rod vertically movable on said frame, a combined compression and torsion spring acting between said leaf or leaves. and said frame, and means for holding said leaf or leaves within said frame against the force of said spring.

13. In an extension-table, the combination of a central frame adapted to receive one or more extension-leaves, an extension-leaf or leaves fitting longitudinally in said frame, said leaf or leaves being pivotally connected with a rod vertically movable on said frame, a spring adapted to first raise and afterwards rotate said leaf or leaves with respect to said frame, means for holding said leaf or leaves within said frame against the force of said spring and means for limiting the rotation of said leaf or leaves to 90 degrees of arc. I

. 14. In an extension-table, the combination of a central frame adapted to receive one or more extension-leaves, an extension-leaf or leaves fitting longitudinally in said frame, said leaf or leaves being pivotally connected with a rod vertically movable on said frame, and a device acting between said frame and leaves and adapted to resiliently raise and rotate the latter.

' 15. In an extension-table, the combination of a central frame adapted to receive one or more extension-leaves, an extension-leaf or leaves fitting longitudinally in said frame, said leaf or leaves being pivotally connected with a rod vertically movable on said frame, and means acting to resiliently raise said leaf or leaves with respect to said frame, said means further acting to rotate said leaf or leaves with respect to said frame after it rises above the edge of said frame.

16. An extension-table comprising, in combination, with a pair of end-pieces slidably connected and each having one or more supporting legs and a top-board, a central frame slidably connected with said end-pieces, a member attached to the center of said central frame, a post vertically slidable in said member, said post having two notches, a catch at the side of said post adapted to engage said notches to hold said post. down against upward pressure thereon, an extension-leaf swiveled 011 a vertical axis on the top of said post, and resilient means acting on said leaf to raise the latter, above the level of said top-boards; one of said notches being positioned to engage said catch when said extension leaf is below and under said top-boards and the other when it is on a level therewith.

17. An extension-table comprising, in combination, a pair of end-pieces slidably connected and each having one or more support-- ing-legs and a top-board, a central frame slidably connected with said end-pieces, a member attached to the center of said central frame, a post vertically slidable in said and under said top-boards and the other when it is on a level therewith.

18. An extension-table comprising, in combination, a pair of end-pieces slidably connected and each having one or more supporting legs and a top-board, a central frame slidably connected with said end-pieces, a member attached to the center of said central frame, a post vertically slidable in said member, said post having three notches, a catch at the side of said post adapted to engage said notches to hold said post down against upward pressure thereon, an extension-leaf swiveled on a vertical axis on the top of said post, resilient means acting on said leaf to raise it above the level of said top-boards so that it clears the latter, and a pair of auxiliary extensiondeaves pivoted to the side edges of said extension-leaf and folding over it; one of said notches being positioned to engage said catch when said extensiondeaves are below and under said top-boards, the second when the surfaces of the folded auxiliary leaves are on a level therewith, and the third when the surfaces of the three unfolded leaves are on a level therewith.

19. In an extension-table, in combination with slidably connected end-pieces, each having a top-board and a supporting leg, :1 central leaf-basket, a set of extension-leaves mounted in said leaf-basket independently of said end-pieces and hinged together and foldable one over the other, a member supporting and forming a rest. for said extension-leaves when folded so that their upper surface is on a level. with said top-hoards, and sliding member supporting. and forming a rest for said extension-leaves when unfolded so that the upper surface thereof is on a level with that of said top-boards.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this 2t) day of March, 1907.

JULIU S MOHR. CHARLES HOSP/ll. In presence of GEORGE IVErMonE COLLES, ELSIE M. Hora. 

